Wellness Programs Keep Employees Hard at Work

June 28, 2010

According to the Benefits USA 2009/2010 survey, the percent of organizations providing wellness options increased significantly from last year.

Kansas City, Kan. – As healthcare insurance costs continue to spiral upwards, companies have become more creative at finding ways to control expenses. One method that has gained popularity over the last several years is the implementation of wellness programs. A well-designed wellness program can significantly cut healthcare costs and promote increased productivity in the workplace.

According to the Benefits USA2009/2010 survey, the percent of organizations providing wellness options increased significantly from last year. Eighty-seven percent of organizations offer flu shots and immunizations, compared to 57.5 percent last year. This is followed by health risk assessments and tobacco cessation at 56.3 and 52.5 percent, respectively. Just one year ago, only 32.5 percent provided health risk assessments and 32.1 percent sponsored tobacco cessation programs. Physical fitness facility access is offered by 27.4 percent of organizations surveyed. Onsite health clinics are present at 9.9 percent of responding organizations.

“Companies across the country are beginning to see the value in creating comprehensive, goal-oriented wellness programs,” said Amy Kaminski, manager of marketing programs for Compdata Surveys, the nation’s leading compensation and benefits survey data provider. “A good wellness program not only promotes a healthy lifestyle for employees, but can have long-term, positive economic implications for the sponsoring company.”

Wellness program offerings differ by industry as weight management is offered by 59.5 percent of organizations in insurance. This is followed by healthcare and hospitality at 52.2 and 43.4 percent, respectively.Â Companies in utilities offer weight management at a rate of 39.2 percent. This type of program is offered least to employees in manufacturing, 31.8 percent.

Of those companies offering employees rewards or incentives for participation in wellness activities, 38.7 percent use gift cards and 25.4 percent provide medical insurance premium discounts. Other common rewards include contributions to Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts at 29.7 percent, as well as free health and fitness products at 28.8 percent.

About the SurveyBenefits USA 2009/2010 analyzes national and regional data on benefits eligibility and administration policies with detailed information on benefit plans, premiums and provisions. Information was collected from nearly 5,000 benefit plans covering more than 7 million employees across the country.

Compdata Surveys is the nation’s leading compensation and benefits survey data provider. Thousands of U.S. organizations provide data each year ensuring the reliability of our results. Compdata Surveys has been providing comprehensive data at affordable prices to organizations from coast to coast since 1988. For further information about the compensation and benefits surveys, contact Amy Kaminski at (800) 300-9570.